Kate Broderick - Director, Speech Pathologist & Occupational
Therapist
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Kate graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (OT) in 2001. She initially entered the corporate sector working with adults who had sustained workplace injuries, however, a strong interest in paediatrics quickly lead her to accept a full time role working with children in private practice. Six months after graduating as an Occupational Therapist, Kate decided to take up some part time study in linguistics at Macquarie University. Kate’s passion for literacy was truly ignited at this time. She was excited by the progress her clients made when using a phonics-based method for literacy intervention, and was further encouraged when her studies reinforced her clinical observations.
With a growing desire to help children experiencing a range of communication difficulties, Kate enrolled in the Clinical Masters of Speech Language Pathology at Macquarie University. |
She opened her first Occupational Therapy clinic in the Western suburbs of Sydney while studying, and in 2005, Kate graduated with both her Masters of Speech Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences. After a busy couple of years working and studying, Kate was looking forward to dedicating herself exclusively to clinical work.
In 2006, Kate opened her first Eastern suburbs clinic in Bondi (Sydney SPOT). At that location, Kate was lucky to have other enthusiastic Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists join the team. In 2008, the clinic moved to its current site in Waverley – a heritage listed landmark building at the Charing Cross intersection. As Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Social Workers, Play Therapists, Family Therapists and Counsellors joined the team, Sydney SPOT transformed into SPOT Therapy Hub!
Kate has over 17 years’ experience in the Spalding Method and has trained in other literacy approaches, including: Sounds~Write, THRASS, MultiLit, the Lindamood Bell Phoneme Sequencing Program and the Seeing Stars Program. Kate has trained and is experienced in the use of Nanci Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing Program, which supports the maturation of comprehension skills. She is a Professional Member of SPELD (as are all SPOT Therapy Hub Speech Pathologists). Kate has a special interest in Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia. She is a passionate advocate for children who have Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is qualified to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, which is the gold standard assessment for possible ASD in children aged 1, right through to adults. Kate is trained in Cogmed (an online program that was designed to support children with working memory deficits).
Kate is a Certified Hanen 'It Takes Two to Talk' Speech Pathologist, which is an evidenced based program for late talking children. Hanen’s ‘More than Words’ program is also used within the practice. Kate has experience using Key Word Sign and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). Kate has also completed courses with Dr Karen Stagnitti, who is an Occupational Therapist specialising in the development of play. Therapy to support the maturation of play skills, is a key feature of care for many clients who are experiencing difficulties with early language development.
Kate supports clients who have feeding difficulties and is trained in SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding. Kate has also completed training in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, via the Australian Academy of Orofacial Myology, and the American based Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT). This training informs holistic care of swallowing and communication disorders, which can be affected by issues with airway, orofacial structure, and oral habits such as thumb sucking. Helping children and adults eliminate their oral habits, positively and successfully, is one of her favourite things to do! Kate has also completed training with Ellen Carlin, specifically targeting oral dysfunction in infants with tongue tie/tethered oral dysfunction. Breathing Retraining is also incorporated into therapy when appropriate.
Kate takes a functional approach to Occupational Therapy (ie. goals are functional and therapy directly targets skills a client is trying to develop). She is trained in The TEACCH Autism Programme (Gary Mesibov), and often applies those principles to her work with young children on the Autism Spectrum. Kate has attended courses with Winnie Dunn (author of the Sensory Profile). She is trained in Therapeutic Listening (Sheila Frick) and the Wilbarger Therabrushing Technique for sensory defensiveness (Patricia Wilbarger), and can discus those approaches with clients. She is also trained in the DIR/Floortime Approach TM (Dr Stanley Greenspan).
As many of her clients are at risk of experiencing difficulties with anxiety and depression, Kate has completed the course; Mindfulness & Self-Regulation for Adults and Children, with Dr Koke Saavedra.
After almost two decades of supporting families and children with complex needs, she has also developed a strong clinical interest in relationship based therapy, to support emotional well being. Kate has completed courses in Trust Based Relationship Intervention (TBRI) and Theraplay.
When she is not working, Kate loves spending time with her husband and four beautiful children!
In 2006, Kate opened her first Eastern suburbs clinic in Bondi (Sydney SPOT). At that location, Kate was lucky to have other enthusiastic Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists join the team. In 2008, the clinic moved to its current site in Waverley – a heritage listed landmark building at the Charing Cross intersection. As Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Social Workers, Play Therapists, Family Therapists and Counsellors joined the team, Sydney SPOT transformed into SPOT Therapy Hub!
Kate has over 17 years’ experience in the Spalding Method and has trained in other literacy approaches, including: Sounds~Write, THRASS, MultiLit, the Lindamood Bell Phoneme Sequencing Program and the Seeing Stars Program. Kate has trained and is experienced in the use of Nanci Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing Program, which supports the maturation of comprehension skills. She is a Professional Member of SPELD (as are all SPOT Therapy Hub Speech Pathologists). Kate has a special interest in Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia. She is a passionate advocate for children who have Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is qualified to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, which is the gold standard assessment for possible ASD in children aged 1, right through to adults. Kate is trained in Cogmed (an online program that was designed to support children with working memory deficits).
Kate is a Certified Hanen 'It Takes Two to Talk' Speech Pathologist, which is an evidenced based program for late talking children. Hanen’s ‘More than Words’ program is also used within the practice. Kate has experience using Key Word Sign and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). Kate has also completed courses with Dr Karen Stagnitti, who is an Occupational Therapist specialising in the development of play. Therapy to support the maturation of play skills, is a key feature of care for many clients who are experiencing difficulties with early language development.
Kate supports clients who have feeding difficulties and is trained in SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding. Kate has also completed training in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, via the Australian Academy of Orofacial Myology, and the American based Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT). This training informs holistic care of swallowing and communication disorders, which can be affected by issues with airway, orofacial structure, and oral habits such as thumb sucking. Helping children and adults eliminate their oral habits, positively and successfully, is one of her favourite things to do! Kate has also completed training with Ellen Carlin, specifically targeting oral dysfunction in infants with tongue tie/tethered oral dysfunction. Breathing Retraining is also incorporated into therapy when appropriate.
Kate takes a functional approach to Occupational Therapy (ie. goals are functional and therapy directly targets skills a client is trying to develop). She is trained in The TEACCH Autism Programme (Gary Mesibov), and often applies those principles to her work with young children on the Autism Spectrum. Kate has attended courses with Winnie Dunn (author of the Sensory Profile). She is trained in Therapeutic Listening (Sheila Frick) and the Wilbarger Therabrushing Technique for sensory defensiveness (Patricia Wilbarger), and can discus those approaches with clients. She is also trained in the DIR/Floortime Approach TM (Dr Stanley Greenspan).
As many of her clients are at risk of experiencing difficulties with anxiety and depression, Kate has completed the course; Mindfulness & Self-Regulation for Adults and Children, with Dr Koke Saavedra.
After almost two decades of supporting families and children with complex needs, she has also developed a strong clinical interest in relationship based therapy, to support emotional well being. Kate has completed courses in Trust Based Relationship Intervention (TBRI) and Theraplay.
When she is not working, Kate loves spending time with her husband and four beautiful children!
Francesca Radvin - Occupational Therapist
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Francesca graduated from Sydney University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (OT). Since graduating, she has worked in the corporate sector specialising in rehabilitation and ergonomics. She also worked in hospital and community based settings in London. During this time, Francesca obtained a Masters in OHS Management and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Following her return from London, Francesca worked in various paediatric fields including private practice and schools. She has been passionate about developing her paediatric knowledge and has attended various short courses including "Getting it Write," Lindamood Bell’s "Visualising and Verbalising," Genevieve Jereb’s "Getting Kids in Sync," and Winnie Dunn’s workshop covering the evidence and use of her Sensory Profile assessment tool. Francesca is also trained in the Spalding Method. |
Francesca loves working with children and her areas of specialty include handwriting, written expression, numeracy, supporting the development of fine and gross motor skills, general coordination/praxis, balance, ball skills and self care. Francesca has been a valued member of the team for over 8 years!
Outside of work, Francesca loves spending time with her family. As a mum, Francesca is able to relate to the many experiences that our parents face every day.
Outside of work, Francesca loves spending time with her family. As a mum, Francesca is able to relate to the many experiences that our parents face every day.
Emma Sharrock – Senior Speech Pathologist
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Emma graduated from the University of Newcastle (UK) with a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Sciences. Emma is passionate about working collaboratively with children, their families, and school to support their communication and feeding needs.
Since graduating Emma has worked in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK providing services in community clinics, special schools, and client’s homes. Emma has experience in providing assessment, therapy (both individual and group) as well as training families and teaching staff to implement recommended advice and strategies. Emma has worked with children of all ages from 6 months to 18 years and strives to make therapy motivating and engaging by tailoring it to meet a child’s interests. Emma has worked with clients with a range of complex communication difficulties including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disability, Hearing Impairment and Down Syndrome. Emma also has experience working with clients with speech and language delays, stuttering and phonological disorder. Emma is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice and has completed training with the Michael Palin Centre (London, UK) to enable her to support children who stutter, and their families. |
Emma has a particular interest in working with children and young people with Learning Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Emma is trained in PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display) an evidence-based visual system that supports the communication of children who are non-verbal or have limited spoken language. Emma also has experience with a range of low-tech and high-tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems including PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and Proloquo2go. Emma is passionate about implementing AAC and ensuring that all clients have access to the tools needed to communicate to their full potential.
Alongside communication, Emma is also passionate about supporting clients to achieve their feeding goals and understands the importance that safe eating and drinking practices have on a child’s growth and social experiences. Emma is experienced in supporting children with physical and sensory feeding difficulties and is trained in the use of Cervical Auscultation to support assessment and identification of swallowing dysfunction.
Emma is a supporter of collaborative working and values the input from colleagues in a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic support to children and their families. Emma has completed training in coaching skills to enable her to foster genuine therapeutic relationships with colleagues and clients.
As Emma has recently moved to Australia, outside of work she enjoys exploring Sydney and soaking up the beautiful sunshine.
Alongside communication, Emma is also passionate about supporting clients to achieve their feeding goals and understands the importance that safe eating and drinking practices have on a child’s growth and social experiences. Emma is experienced in supporting children with physical and sensory feeding difficulties and is trained in the use of Cervical Auscultation to support assessment and identification of swallowing dysfunction.
Emma is a supporter of collaborative working and values the input from colleagues in a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic support to children and their families. Emma has completed training in coaching skills to enable her to foster genuine therapeutic relationships with colleagues and clients.
As Emma has recently moved to Australia, outside of work she enjoys exploring Sydney and soaking up the beautiful sunshine.
Emily Yun - Speech Pathologist
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Emily is a dedicated and passionate speech pathologist, who strives to help people of all ages reach their communication goals. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) and is a certified practising member of SPA. Emily values evidenced based care and is a published researcher in the area of voice. She is also fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Emily is able to assess and provide therapy for children of all ages with a range of communication difficulties and strives to make sessions fun and engaging. Emily has experience working with children in an individual and small-groups in the clinic, at preschools and school settings. Emily communicates openly with families and other professionals to ensure that therapy goals are meaningful and achievable. She also aims to understand and incorporate each individuals’ strengths and interests to plan functional therapy activities. |
Emily is certified in the Hanen program ‘More than Words’ and has trained in Intensive Interaction. She works hard to maintain professional development in order to provide the highest quality services her clients.
In her spare time Emily enjoys baking and cooking. She likes to adapt recipes to suit the preferences of those she is baking for, much like she adapts therapy activities to involve each clients’ interests!
In her spare time Emily enjoys baking and cooking. She likes to adapt recipes to suit the preferences of those she is baking for, much like she adapts therapy activities to involve each clients’ interests!
Helindie Pretorius - Senior Occupational Therapist
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Helindie has most experience in Paediatrics and Special Needs Education, however, she has also worked in Neurology, Aged Care, Mental Health and Medio-Legal OT roles.
Her journey as an OT started in Johannesburg at a large public academic hospital. When she moved into the private sector she discovered her love for working with children. In late 2015, Helindie became a mother to a premature baby, and more than ever she used her knowledge and experience to help her little one with the battles ahead due to premature birth. Helindie has worked with children in a special needs school designed to meet the learning needs of children who have moderate to profound intellectual and physical disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavioural difficulties and sensory difficulties. Helindie and her family moved to Australia in 2018 and we are so excited to have her in the SPOT Family! |
Ginnie Wong - Speech Pathologist
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Ginnie graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) and is a certified practising member of Speech Pathology Australia. She is passionate about supporting each individual to reach their communication and feeding goals. Ginnie strongly believes in providing a holistic service and closely collaborates with parents, caregivers, educators and health professionals. Ginnie has experience in assessing and providing therapy to children of all ages with a range of communication difficulties. This includes speech sound disorders, language delays, stuttering, literacy and social communication difficulties. She frequently works with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorders. Ginnie uses a number of evidence-based programs including the Spalding Method and Nanci Bell’s Visualising and Verbalising Program. |
Ginnie has a special interest in oral-motor function including treatment of tongue thrust, oral habits and feeding. Ginnie also has more advanced training in Breathing Education and Retraining, to support our many clients who are experiencing orofacial myofunctional disorder secondary to dysfunctional breathing. This can be a great approach for clients who have symptoms of anxiety or difficulties with emotional and physical self regulation, which impact their learning and quality of life!
Prior to working with children, Ginnie provided mobile services to adults living at home, Aged Care Facilities and Group Homes. Her experience includes working with clients with stuttering, stroke, Dementia, Parkinson’s Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Motor Neurone Disease and disability.
Outside of work, Ginnie enjoys playing badminton and spending time with her pet bunny, Cookie!
Prior to working with children, Ginnie provided mobile services to adults living at home, Aged Care Facilities and Group Homes. Her experience includes working with clients with stuttering, stroke, Dementia, Parkinson’s Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Motor Neurone Disease and disability.
Outside of work, Ginnie enjoys playing badminton and spending time with her pet bunny, Cookie!
Gabriella (Bella) Watt - Speech Pathologist
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Bella completed her undergraduate degree in Socio-Legal Studies, prior to completing a Graduate Diploma of Speech and Communication, followed by a Master in Speech and Language Pathology at Macquarie University.
Since completing her studies, she has worked in a paediatric private practice, with children aged between 18 months and 18 years, as well as a mobile, allied health practice, servicing both paediatric and adult clients. Bella has worked with clients with a range of developmental communication difficulties including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, hearing impairments, speech and language delays, stuttering, and difficulties with literacy. Bella also has experience working with clients with various acquired, neurological disabilities including Traumatic Brain Injury, stroke, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s Disorder, Dementia, and Muscular Dystrophy. |
She has experience working with individuals with complex communication needs, which has allowed Bella to develop her skills and knowledge in Alternative and Augmentative Communication, both with low-tech and high-tech devices, including Proloquo2go, Grid 3 and eye-gaze technology, such as Tobii Dynavox EyeMobile Mini.
Bella has worked in a range of service delivery models and has experience delivering therapy in a one-to-one setting, as well as group settings, including providing intensive early intervention to children with disability. Bella is passionate about providing family-centred care and in building strong relationships with her clients and their families.
Bella has recently participated in the Walk for Autism charity event and attended a Stuttering Observation Day at the Bankstown Stuttering Clinic. Bella has also completed the Sounds~Write course, which is a multi-sensory, explicit, synthetic phonics program to support reading and spelling.
Bella has worked in a range of service delivery models and has experience delivering therapy in a one-to-one setting, as well as group settings, including providing intensive early intervention to children with disability. Bella is passionate about providing family-centred care and in building strong relationships with her clients and their families.
Bella has recently participated in the Walk for Autism charity event and attended a Stuttering Observation Day at the Bankstown Stuttering Clinic. Bella has also completed the Sounds~Write course, which is a multi-sensory, explicit, synthetic phonics program to support reading and spelling.
Holly Dalziel – Speech Pathologist
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Holly graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of applied Science (Speech Pathology). Prior to this she completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at the University of Canberra. This included a semester of study abroad in Mexico city where she developed a love of language and communication. After working in the customer service and corporate events industry for a number of years, Holly was drawn back to her passion for helping people communicate. Leading her to Speech Pathology. Holly has a background in disability and has worked with children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Down Syndrome, Global Development Delay, Speech and Language disorders, Stuttering and difficulties with Social Skills. |
Holly is trained in PECs (Picture Exchange Communication System) level 1, an evidence-based communication system that can be implemented with children who are non-verbal or have limited speech. PECs also supports social interaction and fosters development of independent verbal language. Holly is passionate about introducing Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems to support people of all ages to communicate. She has experience with Proloquo2go and enjoys working with families to implement AAC.
Holly is trained in MiniLit, school based literacy intervention program. She has experience working in a range of settings to meet her clients needs including school, home, clinic and the community.
Holly strives to empower her clients to become independent communicators. She enjoys helping adults to build or regain autonomy, through functional communication. She has worked with adults with acquired and congenital speech and language disorders to achieve clear speech, functional language and appropriate social communication skills.
Holly is a strong believer in collaborative goal setting and enjoys working in a multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of each family and individual.
Holly is trained in MiniLit, school based literacy intervention program. She has experience working in a range of settings to meet her clients needs including school, home, clinic and the community.
Holly strives to empower her clients to become independent communicators. She enjoys helping adults to build or regain autonomy, through functional communication. She has worked with adults with acquired and congenital speech and language disorders to achieve clear speech, functional language and appropriate social communication skills.
Holly is a strong believer in collaborative goal setting and enjoys working in a multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of each family and individual.
Lindy Abelsohn – Psychologist
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Lindy has over 10 years’ experience in the Educational and Developmental field, providing assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a range of childhood disorders such as anxiety and depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behaviour, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), and other known childhood concerns such as emotion regulation, social skills, self esteem, sleeping and eating issues.
Lindy works with children, adolescents and their families in a clinical setting, and home environment, providing one on one intervention and parenting support. Lindy also provides support to preschools/daycare, schools, teachers, and other professionals across the Sydney Metropolitan region, to help achieve the best for the child. Lindy has worked in a range of settings including, schools, public health and in private practice designing. |
Lindy has experience managing and implementing Applied Behavioural Analysis programs to children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and providing psychological intervention to children and parents for a range of childhood disorders. Lindy is proficient in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) as well as cognitive and academic assessment using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children (WISC-IV), and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III). In addition, Lindy is well practiced in general child development using the Bayley-III, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression.
Lindy has a wealth of knowledge around child development and has completed courses in Cognitive Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Working with Adolescents, Suicide Prevention and general counselling. In her practice, Lindy endeavours to improve the quality of life for children and their families.
Lindy is a registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA), and an Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Lindy has a wealth of knowledge around child development and has completed courses in Cognitive Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Working with Adolescents, Suicide Prevention and general counselling. In her practice, Lindy endeavours to improve the quality of life for children and their families.
Lindy is a registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA), and an Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Carla Shannon – Physiotherapist
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After spending more than eight years as a figure skating coach and completing a Masters in Physiotherapy from The University of Sydney, Carla embarked on a successful career in Paediatric and Sports Physiotherapy. She worked as a physiotherapist for the NSW Institute of Sport cycling program. She was also an integral part of a multidisciplinary paediatric practice focusing on child development from birth to 16 years of age.
In recent years, Carla established a physiotherapy practice within Pymble Ladies' College, catering for young children with gross motor issues to elite scholarship athletes. Carla then founded Physio Play, a functional movement program and mobile paediatric physiotherapy service supporting communities in Sydney, the Central Coast and the Southern Highlands. Carla has long standing relationship with SPOT Therapy Hub, who is delighted to offer clients her services for individual therapy, and to be able to offer Physio Play groups as well! |
Angeliki Stivactas – Exercise Physiologist
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Angeliki is an energetic and passionate Exercise Physiologist who empower her clients to improve function, build independence, and enhance their quality of life.
Angeliki is completing post graduate research and has a special interest in supporting individual with Multiple Sclerosis. Pre-natal and post-natal care is also a clinical area of particular interest. Anybody who is living with chronic (long term) health issues or disability, can benefit from the support of an Exercise Physiologist. Angeliki has an infectious level of positive energy that benefit her clients and colleagues! |
